Hurricane season has officially begun and extends to November 30. The secondnamed storm is expected to be announced this week, and I would like to takethe opportunity to discuss hurricane preparation, since so many of myclients have waterfront homes and condos. Having a plan and suppliesbeforehand will greatly reduce stress before during and after a storm, andif you are a part time resident, I am happy to recommend managementpersonnel to implement your individual hurricane plan. I hope you find thesetips informative and that all are safe throughout this hurricane season. Formore detailed information, the Broward County website has a complete guide.

Calm Before The Storm1. Have a Plan. It is very important to have a plan in place for yourfamily, from explaining to children what is happening to going over a listof items to prepare.2. Stock up. Having bottled water, canned goods, and batteries andflashlights are always a good idea. Non perishable items may be purchased inadvanced and stored indefinitely, so getting them now can reduce stressbefore a storm and long lines later.3. Secure Your Home. Take inventory of hurricane shutters, making sure theyhave not been damaged in any way since the last time they were up. Take alook at the vulnerable areas of the home such as openings and your roof, tomake sure there are not areas that are at risk.4. Tidy up. Make sure all debris is out of your yard and have an arboristcheck the area for compromised trees or branches that need to be removed.5. Protecting your Assets. Go over your homeowners insurance to see whatsorts of documenting information is required, in the event you need to makea claim.

During a Storm1. Stay Inside. This may sound like very obvious advice, however during theeye of a storm it may look very nice outside, but conditions can deterioratequickly. Be sure to stay tuned into a news radio station for updates on whenit is safe to leave your home.2. Evacuate. If you are in an evacuation zone, evacuate early to avoidtraffic.3. Refrigeration. In the event you lose power and do not have a generator,put all appliances on the highest settings and avoid opening the doors torefrigerators.

After the Storm1. Document Damage. Once it is safe to leave your home, document any damageimmediately.2. Avoid Down Lines. Treat all power lines like live lines, and report downlines to FPL immediately.3. Stay In. Debris from the storm may be hazardous and filled with snakes orinsects.4. Protect Assets. Have ply wood and tarps on hand to protect property thatwas damaged, from any further damage that being exposed to the elements maycause.

Hurricane Checklist, Courtesy of Broward County

Drinking Water: At least one gallon per person per day for three to five days, preferably two weeks. Extra water is needed for food preparation and personal hygiene. To store drinking water, use food-grade containers. You can use clean, airtight containers such as two-liter soda jugs, but no milk containers. If you re-use disposable plastic bottles, do not keep them for more than a month.

Food: At least enough for three to five days, including non-perishable packaged or canned food, canned or shelf milk, cereal, etc.; ice and snack foods

A three- to five-day supply of special items for babies such as formula, food, wipes, diapers; special foods for the elderly; toiletries and extra toilet paper